Mount Fuji's cherry blossoms start to bloom at the beginning of April and reach full bloom in mid-April, a bit later than in central Tokyo due to its high altitude and mountainous terrain.
Mount Fuji is the best place near Tokyo to view cherry blossoms amid breathtaking natural surroundings. It is an ideal spot for those who love photography, nature, and the great outdoors.
When Is the Mount Fuji Cherry Blossom Season 2025?
Mt Fuji's cherry blossom season spans from early April to mid-April, about a week later than in central Tokyo.
Usually, the sakura at Mount Fuji begins to bloom at the beginning of April. After a week, they reach their full bloom. The full blooms stay for another week, and then they all fall.
Can I See Cherry Blossoms in Late April or May at Mount Fuji?
Unfortunately, you would not see cherry blossoms at Mount Fuji later than mid-April.
If you visit Japan during late April or May and you wish to see cherry blossoms, we suggest you visit Ueno Park in Tokyo for the later-blooming varieties. If you want to see more spectacular scenery, you may need to travel farther north into the Tohoku region or Hokkaido, where you could still see them through early May.
Where to See Cherry Blossoms at Mount Fuji?
The best places to view the cherry blossoms at Mount Fuji include the Fuji Five Lakes area and Chureito Pagoda. In the Fuji Five Lakes area, you could enjoy lakeshore cherry blossoms set against Mount Fuji and reflected in the water of the lake. Arakurayama Sengen Park offers an iconic view of the red pagoda and Mount Fuji within a picturesque frame. Let's tell you which is the best spot for you based on your interests:
Lake Kawaguchiko
- Features: Enjoy blooming cherry blossoms along the lake with plenty of activities to engage in, such as boat cruises, biking, and leisurely walks.
- Best For: Ideal for all travelers, particularly families seeking a fun and relaxing experience.
Lake Kawaguchiko boasts the most enchanting cherry blossom views among the Fuji Five Lakes, particularly along its northern shore. This area features about 200 cherry trees adorning the lakeshore. Along it, you would see the magnificent sight of Mount Fuji in combination with the tranquil lake and cherry blossoms.
The scene is delightful, as cherry blossom branches stretch gracefully across the pathways, providing a serene environment for a leisurely stroll.
You could enjoy a leisurely walk alongside the lake within sight of Mount Fuji at all times.
Or you could rent a bike from one of the hotels by the lake and ride about 20 km (12 miles) along the lakeside roads. While cycling, you may want to stop at least 10 times to take an even better picture than the one you just took 5 minutes ago!
There are plenty of cafés and restaurants alongside the lake. We suggest you enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the picturesque views.
Travel tips:
- Lake Kawaguchiko is very crowded, so if you prefer a quieter place, we suggest you go to Lake Yamanaka, which is in the Five Lakes area.
- There are buses available along the entire lake, which would take you to the different scenic spots. Buses could get very crowded during the weekends.
- The lake paths are very flat and easy to walk on.
Arakurayama Sengen Park
- Features: Capture the iconic landscapes of Mount Fuji with a striking red pagoda within a photo frame.
- Best for: active travelers who are good at walking, as it involves climbing 400 steep steps
Have you seen photos of the red pagoda amid the cherry blossoms against the backdrop of Mount Fuji? It's truly impressive, isn't it? If you wish to capture this breathtaking sight, make sure to visit Arakurayama Sengen Park.
To witness these breathtaking views, you need to climb up to the observation deck, which is located on a hill. The climb involves about 400 steep steps, so it is not an easy job. Therefore, this spot is more suited to active travelers.
If you prefer to avoid the steps, you could opt for walking up the gently winding slope, although it still requires a fair amount of walking.
Travel tips:
- The best time of the day to view Mount Fuji without any clouds is early in the morning.
- Expect large crowds during the cherry blossom season and be prepared to wait for approximately an hour to access the observation deck.
- You would only be allowed to stay on the observation deck for 5 minutes.
- Away from the pagoda, there are many hidden spots in the area where you could enjoy great views away from the crowds.
Oshino Hakkai
- Features: Experience cherry blossoms in a charming local village setting.
- Best for: Perfect for travelers who appreciate traditional villages and natural scenery
Oshino Hakkai is a tranquil small village at the foot of Mount Fuji, which is famous for its eight beautiful ponds fed by melted snow from the mountain. The village seems like a postcard scene with its traditional houses, thatched roofs, and the majestic backdrop of Mount Fuji.
A gentle river flows alongside the village, which is lined with cherry trees. One of the most popular spots is a bridge near the Shibokusa Sengen Shrine. Standing on the bridge, you could see Mount Fuji towering behind the cherry blossoms on clear days.
The village is a tranquil place to enjoy a leisurely stroll early in the morning before the tourist crowds arrive. You could enjoy walking around to see the beautiful ponds and houses with views of Mount Fuji.
There are also traditional Japanese houses and shops in the area that offer local souvenirs, snacks, and meals.
Please note: The Oshino Hakkai trees typically bloom several days later than the trees around Lake Kawaguchiko.
When is the Mt Fuji Cherry Blossom Festival 2025?
The general date for Mt Fuji Cherry Blossom Festival is from late March to Mid-April. In 2024, the date is from March 30 to April 21. However, the exact date for 2025 is not yet released. We will update the information as soon as the date is released.
The Festival is held at the Northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko （one of the Five Lakes at the foot of the mountain）each year during the Cherry blossom season.
During the festival, travelers can enjoy the gorgeous views of the cherry blossoms on the lake shore, with the background of Mt Fuji and the clear lake. In the evening, the cherry blossom will be illuminated from sunset till 21:00, creating a magical ambiance.
Travel Tips
- The illumination time is from the sunset to 9 pm.
- The main event space will take place between Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum and the Maple Corridor.
- Consider renting a bike to leisurely explore the lake.
Tips for Visiting Mt Fuji for the Cherry Blossom
Mt Fuji is one of Japan's most picturesque locations to admire cherry blossoms. However, the area is so crowded in Spring that you need to plan every aspect of your trip well in advance, including hotel bookings, etc.
How long in advance to Book My trip to Mt Fuji?
As you may already know, Mt Fuji is extremely popular during the spring season. So you need to book at least 6 months in advance to secure your preferred hotels.
The area is very popular even in the low travel season. Some travelers have encountered fully booked hostels even two weeks before their trips, let alone during the bustling cherry blossom season.
How to Avoid the Crowds at Mt Fuji?
The Fuji Five Lakes, Sengen Shrine, and all the cherry blossom spots are very crowded. You need to queue for about one hour for the cruise boat and enter the platform to view Mt Fuji. How to avoid the crowds? well, it seems very hard. But there are still some things you can do to avoid being getting stuck :
- To visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Most large tour groups visit during the middle of the day, early morning or late afternoon is relatively less crowded.
- Avoid weekends if possible. Weekends are more crowded than weekdays.
- Venture further from the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, which is the most crowded place.
Is It Recommended to Stay Overnight at Mount Fuji?
Mount Fuji is a tranquil place to stay because of its beautiful natural scenery. However, we don't recommend staying there during the cherry blossom season. Hotel prices are sky-high and the area is very crowded. It is even hard to find a good restaurant to eat in. You may need to queue for about 1 hour to eat in a normal restaurant.
Instead, a day trip from Tokyo is very convenient and chosen by most travelers.
Is It Easy to See Mount Fuji during the Cherry Blossom Season?
Although April is not the best time to view Mount Fuji, there are still chances to see it on clear days.
Mount Fuji is visible from the Fuji Five Lakes during clear days, but April is not the best time to view it (the best time is in winter from December to February). There are still chances that you could see Mount Fuji when the weather is clear.
The best time of day for Mount Fuji's visibility is early in the morning. Consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and capture beautiful photos in a softer light.
What to wear in Spring for Mt Fuji?
Given the high altitude of around 1000 meters, the Mount Fuji area remains cold, especially on cloudy days. Therefore, it is advisable to pack a coat or jacket to stay warm during your visit.
Plan Your 2025 Mt Fuji Trip Right Now!
The Cherry Blossom season of Mt Fuji will come between early and mid-April 2025. Begin your preparations today! Let us assist you in organizing your personalized Japan itinerary with our expert recommendations.
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